Epsom College to close early after murder of headteacher Emma Pattison

Epsom College will close this evening following the “incredibly distressing” details of the death of the head teacher Emma Pattison, The Telegraph has learnt.

In a letter to parents, Paul Williams, acting headmaster, said it was time for families “to come together and try to process this shocking news.”

He said: “On Monday it was helpful to all come together as a community to receive and offer support.

“We have had a team of counsellors at the College available for all pupils and staff. In addition to that, of course, we have all been here for anyone who is struggling and needs additional support.

“However, the details that have emerged today are incredibly distressing and we feel it is best to close the College from this evening.

“Now is the time for families to come together and try to process this shocking news.”

Day pupils will leave school this evening and will not be expected to return until after half term. Weekly boarders are permitted to stay this evening but should be collected by parents tomorrow. Full boarders are able to stay until the scheduled start of the half term break on Friday, parents were told.

It came as it was revealed Mrs Pattison had made a distressed call to a relative before she was shot by her husband, according to a BBC report. It is understood that she called a close relative hours before the shooting. The relative drove to the school and found the dead bodies. 

Mr Pattison has not previously been reported to the police. However, The Telegraph has learnt that in 2016 he reported his wife to the police for allegedly hitting him. However, he dropped the complaint and there have since been no reports to the police.